The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are further researching tattoo inks and permanent make-up which could "contain hazardous substances that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations, toxic effects on reproduction, allergies or other adverse effects in animals or humans".

New laws and limits

A proposal to implement tighter limits on the use of around 4,000 chemicals is now expected to be brought to a vote among EU member states by the middle of next year.

The UK will not have a say, as it is set to leave the EU in March 2019, but this law would apply to the UK during the 21 month-long transition period.

Although no direct link has been made between tattoos and the development of cancer, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported in October that it was "well known that tattoo inks can and do contain substances of concern such as identified carcinogens and skin sensitisers".

"The composition of some tattoo inks and permanent makeup raises concerns for public health," said Mark Blainey, a senior scientific officer at the ECHA.

"The most severe concerns are allergies caused by the substances in the inks and the fact that some of the substances might cause cancer, change DNA or be harmful to human reproduction."

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